The Trump administration’s proposal to overturn the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule has just received a new deadline. Federal officials announced that the public comment period, originally slated to close this past Monday, now runs until October 6. This extension offers an additional window for anyone interested in the future of roughly 45 million acres of national forest land to submit their opinions.
Comment period extended to October 6
According to the Federal Register, more than 240,000 comments have already been filed—both supporting and opposing the rescission. The rule currently bars the construction of new roads on 44.7 million acres managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The administration’s draft environmental impact statement spanning 333 pages, outlines the potential effects of a full repeal and a narrower, 13-million-acre compromise that would retain limited roadless protection.
Stakeholder positions on the roadless rule
Conservation groups argue the rule safeguards some of the nation’s most pristine forests, providing essential habitat, clean water, and recreation opportunities. They note that the rule already allows targeted timber projects aimed at reducing wildfire risk, and cite a study showing fire ignitions are more common near existing roads. In contrast, timber industry representatives and motorized-recreation advocates view the rule as an obstacle to effective forest management and wildfire mitigation. The American Forest Resource Council claims that removing the rule would give land managers “greater flexibility to address wildfire risk and declining forest health.” The BlueRibbon Coalition backs repeal for the same reason, emphasizing expanded access for off-road vehicles.
Where the rule applies and state totals
The protected lands, known as Inventoried Roadless Areas fall into two categories: zones where any road work is prohibited and zones that permit limited road construction or reconstruction. In Washington, about 2 million acres are covered, with much of the Colville National Forest allowing some road work. Oregon contains 1.9 million roadless acres, while Montana accounts for 6.3 million. Idaho’s 9.3 million acres lie outside the federal rule because the state adopted its own guidelines in 2008; Colorado follows a similar arrangement.
How to submit a comment
Stakeholders can file their responses online via the Federal Register at this link. Submissions may include written statements, data, or personal testimonies. The agency stresses that every comment—whether supportive or critical—will be considered as part of the final decision-making process. Engaging now ensures that local perspectives, scientific insights, and recreation interests are part of the conversation before the October 6 cutoff.
